Stop wasting money: DIY worm bins demystified-Red Wigglers

[@eve66able]

Instead of drilling holes use a sautering iron and melt them into the plastic. This prevents those micro tears.

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes exactly. I didn't know that before I made it. I use that method for making worm trams now. 👍🏼🪱😁

[@Jon_Lopez_io]

Pilot drilling can help too 😊

[@CrisAnderson27]

I came to say the same. Melting the holes strengthens the plastic around it as well, and leaves no hard edges.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Yup, drilling stresses the relatively hard and brittle plastic.

[@kayleighf.6599]

I use a wood burning tool. I saw a girl use a candle and a screwdriver recently on YT 😂 mad respect

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

Thank you for your video, of course, but special mention for conversion unit. It's such a nice touch, I can feel respect and care about people from different country/culture. Love from Montréal

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you. I want everyone to be successful. I appreciate that it is different for everyone. Thank you for watching.

[@gregkillmeier8560]

I love my bin - a single Rubbermaid tote. No lifting, etc. my hobby, my choice. We all choose what’s right for us.

[@PlantObsessed]

Exactly. I'm glad you have good luck with your DIY. 😁👍🏼🪱

[@janniehanagriff]

Thats what I am using. I started last month so I am fairly new to this.

[@laurasoftheart]

I’ve had the three tray can-of-worms for more than 10 years now. I love it!

[@PlantObsessed]

That is great they last that long. 🪱👍🏼😊

[@melodylamour6123]

I'm in SW Florida. My worms are outside under carport tents. They are a couple days from their first harvest. They have done excellent. I have them in an old Coleman cooler without a spout and without its original lid. It's been hot as heck. Heat index of 107 lately. I put two frozen water bottles in there daily. There are no holes. I have to use an extra rubber maid lid on it. I load small heavy plants on it to keep the worms from crawling out. There isn't a place for run off. I've not had an issue with extra juice of any kind. I've rarely had to add extra water into it besides the froze food they are fed. I'm so grateful for all y'all's videos.

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you. I'm glad the cooler works for you. That must be scary having the worms outside in the heat. My outside ones are on a concrete corner outside in the shade. It seems to stay below 90. They can also crawl out onto the ground if they need to. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@lindaf114]

You're like the worm whisperer of the south 😂

[@brianseybert2189]

Fourth year using Costco 27 gallon totes, I only stack when separating the worms from the castings. Basically I dump all the worms into a bin with holes on the bottom and place on top of a new bin with fresh bedding and blended food (I use bricks as spacers). The worms are almost totally out out the top bin in a week or two. So far the bins have not shown any ware. OBTW,I no longer cover my bins either. I think DIY works best if you have the space for inside, 15 gal grow bags work best for me outside in the summer. I am considering an Urban worm bag for inside this winter, as you said around $100 investment. My problem, after 4 years of raising worms I have enough worms for a half a dozen bins, no place to put that many bins. Enjoy your videos! Stay Well!!!

[@PlantObsessed]

I have the same issue. My worms are multiplying and dividing and I have run out of room. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼

[@brianseybert2189]

@@PlantObsessed I put a pretty good number in my garden beds. I also add worms to resting hot compost, and when I start my leaf mold pile every fall. The jumping worms have really reduced the red worm population in my beds. I believe the trapping method I employed this summer has helped a lot. I only pick up a few, where I was removing hundreds in May and June. Take Care!!!

[@8oclocktomatotalk]

Hi Anne! My daughter and I have been talking more and more about both starting worm farms at our houses. Had a small set up in California, now I want to do one to begin highlighting it on my KZbin channel. Came right to you for the source for info! Keep up the good work 🙂

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you for watching. I hope you get back into the worm biz. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@MaiaKnits]

Have been watching for a while and appreciate your channel. Usually watch on my tv where I'm not signed in. Came for the discussion and saw I wasn't subscribed yet. Fixed that! I found you when I was looking for general vermiculture info so I could decide what system I want to get. So far I am just watching, learning, and planning. This topic is on point for me. I wish I could have a big blue, but I only have space for a stacking system, DIY or purchased. I look forward to this discussion. Thank you for being helpful and fostering a community of helpful people.

[@PlantObsessed]

I try and make all the mistakes so you do have to. Lol. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@MaiaKnits]

@@PlantObsessed haha!

[@MaiaKnits]

@@PlantObsessed Just a heads up that your paper shredder link takes me to amazon for neem cake. Tried several videos and always get neem.

[@laurahinrichsen3917]

I just looked up the collective nouns for worms and the options are, a bed of worms, a bunch of worms, or a clew of worms. Fun! Side note, I just learned last week that a group of raccoons is called a gaze.

[@PlantObsessed]

Nice! I love wormanology!! 😃👍🏼🪱

[@Vermicompost]

I love this comment!! Thanks for looking that up for all of us!!🪱🪱🪱

[@aaronreeder5753]

Colony of worms.

[@kayleighf.6599]

As a DIYer quick to pick up another project I don't need - thank you so much for this real perspective. This has given me so much to think about.

[@PlantObsessed]

I'm glad I can help. If you are new to worm bins just get one 20gallon tote. It is a great place to start. Many people never do anything else.🪱👍🏼😃

[@etiennelouw9244]

I have an old garbage bin that I used as a compost bin over here in Cape Town South Africa, somehow it just turned into a worm bin by itself.

[@PlantObsessed]

Nice, good worms!! 👍🏼🪱😃

[@DanielMentz_]

Glad to see others from SA here, I am from Worcester

[@roberthayward9299]

Hello from Tasmania, Australia. Thanks for your content. I've been making wooden boxes for my worms over the past year. I have three stacking boxes and one lid. The base box has a drain and I keep a plastic tray below it to catch any drips. The boxes are well ventilated using the same kind of flyscreen you use and that means there is almost no drips unless I water the system with more than 5L of tap water. My system has a population of springtails in the bottom tray too. Worms can move freely through the system through gaps and via plastic pots inserted through 90mm diameter holes in the bases. I use shredded paper/cardboard and Autumn leaves for bedding. The bedding gets dampened with dilute brown sugar solution and worm wee for a few days before use. The bedding gets slowly consumed over a few months. I paid very little for my boxes, perhaps $A10 for the airgun staples and about the same for PVA glue. The timber came free from recycled pallets. I've been given a solid 20L black plastic bucket which I"m planning to use with a plastic tray to separate worms and bedding/castings. The castings are going into my biochar bucket to inoculate the carbon and the excess worms will go into a compost bin to do their thing on semi ripened compost.

[@PlantObsessed]

That sounds like you have a great system.extra points for the diy and up cycle.👍🏼😃🪱

[@michaelbessette8685]

I do not drill holes. I don't let it get wet enough to get liquid in the bottom. Takes a little extra care but it works for me. I have started making stackable horizontal migration bins with ceder fence boards and wire mesh.

[@PlantObsessed]

I do the same thing now and keep the bins moisture even by my in. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼

[@cathyplantlover2862]

I paid 109 for the vermi hut and I love it its about 10 lbs per stacked trays and I got the 5 tray one plus cool stuff like a mini plastic rake a cup for the liquid some blocking tray cover to keep the worms for going in the liquid tray and a bunch of other things that came with it.

[@PlantObsessed]

That sounds awesome. I'll see if there is a similar deal out there. 😃🪱👍🏼

[@Varcuri9898]

I’ve had the Vermihut tower system running for 6 months and I like it. Each tray weights around 10 - 15 pounds when full. I use 4 of the 5 trays in the stack.

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you for the information. I'm glad they are not too heavy. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼

[@donaldstory105]

Hi from Summerfield Florida. I'm into my sixth month and can barely keep up with harvesting. My original 20 gal tote is up to 50 lbs. I now have 3 and did a light harvest this morning.

[@PlantObsessed]

That is heavy. Yikes. Your worms are very busy. Good luck. 🪱👍🏼😃

[@catherinemiura3979]

HI Ann. I have a 3 tier Worm Factory. It is also heavy when it gets full. I actually strained my back moving the system earlier this summer. The trays are good quality plastic, but the legs are a bit wobbly.

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you for the advice. I think someone else mentioned the legs were not that great. Are they plastic?

[@catherinemiura3979]

@@PlantObsessed Yes, plastic. Not as thick as the trays. Also, the way the base is set up, it has a “worm ladder” for worms to crawl back up into the bottom tray. It works fairly well. The problem is that when they want to escape, they can easily. There is a gap between the bottom tray/worm ladder and the side wall. I had a mass exodus when I first set it up. I suppose that can happen with any bin though.

[@jameslau5497]

You had me at "Worm community" Made my own worm bin from a supermarket ennclosed crate. Worms having fun i think 😊

[@PlantObsessed]

I 100% believe worms can have fun. I think they enjoy the different textures of items we put in there. Welcome to the worm family. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@jameslau5497]

I have to share. I saw lil worm babies in my bin today. I cannot tell u how friggin happy i am 😂

[@cookie761]

VermiHut.....yes! I'm 81 years old and can't really lift the whole group at one time, but you don't really need to do that. There seems to be. No wear or tear on any of the parts of my two different sets. I have European nightcrawlers in one and Louisiana Swamp worms in the other. I also have a "bus box" (For bussing dishes at a restaurant) that has mixed worms, Including left over ones from fishing. I got my worms all from the Garden & Worm Lady. She's very nice and she helped me a lot with Setting up my worm bins. I'm just surprised that more people don't have the Louisiana Swamp worms because they're great! I enjoy your videos very much!

[@PlantObsessed]

Yeah I tell you you don't have to be 80 years old to have a bad back and that tote system was heavy. I've always wanted to get the Louisiana swamp worms but I live in a cold area. I thought they might not thrive. I'm going to have to look and see what our garden and worm lady is doing. She has not showed up on my dash lately. 👍🏼🪱😊

[@cookie761]

@PlantObsessed I just saw one of her videos yesterday so I know she's still around.

[@cookie761]

I'm in Minnesota, but I'm in an apartment that's too warm most of the time so I wouldn't know about any cold affecting them. I hope she does some more videos on them because they're nice little worms

[@aondyak]

I’m newish go worms for Christmas I bought a two tier bin. Nothing fancy cheaper one on Amazon. I have a small apartment and it works great! But now I’m feeling I need more so I’m debating on getting a second one or making my own! So This showed up perfect timing for me 😂

[@PlantObsessed]

That is awesome. I'm glad you caught the vermiculture bug🪱👍🏼😃

[@AJsGreenTopics]

You are right about worms doing what they want. Take care. 😎

[@PlantObsessed]

Yep, we just work here. Am I right? 😃👍🏼🪱

[@augustineschaefer5522]

I have 3 totes that I’ve stacked and unstacked and taped the holes. Now I have 3 bins that were all free/found and I cut the tops off so they fit under a table in the garage. The worms like the heated slab. I don’t like the stacks as they’re heavy.

[@PlantObsessed]

I agree I struggle to move the whole thing at once. Spoiled worms have their own heated garage.😃🪱👍🏼

[@Tippler0611]

I would love to see something other than plastic! I set my mom up with a rescued wood crate (single layer for 2 people), which she says is working well. I've wondered about steel chafing dishes with steamer pans-pre-drilled and designed to stack... That said, I do have a Worm Factory 360 I picked up secondhand for $10. I dont love it, but its been deemed more presentable to have in the kitchen. I run it Patrick's way, which gives only one active tray at a time.

[@PlantObsessed]

That sounds interesting. Let me know if you find a way to make 👍🏼🪱😃a metal one. That would last forever

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Great Points Ann. I think its pretty clear from the math side. The professional systems last 4x longer and are only 2x more. That being said and i can only speak to my experience. I'm glad i have a DYI system. $5, fun, easy and I'm really only after the castings for personal use. I dont love active worm farming and like more passive systems that suit me. If i was or become more into it, id certainly consider a "higher grade" system. Thought provoking as always !! Cheers 🌱👍👍👍👍

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes, I don't regret learning on my diy bin. If I didn't like worm farming I wouldn't be out much. It may be time to take the plunge.

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@PlantObsessed I think that's a great idea. With your experience and critical thinking, you'll be able to max out your investment. Might actually be worth doing a "review series" on them ???

[@roncatlin7271]

the collective noun for worms is a clew. googled it when you mentioned it. i didn't know either. i am only 3 years in so i am not sure if my opinion will matter but i have a 5gal bucket tower 6 high now. just added bucket 6 last month when i discovered juveniles in my storage tote out in my garden shed. i track my/worm activities on a spreadsheet and i've removed 218# of castings in 38 months starting with 250 rws. my buckets are in fine shape but if anything does happen i will be able to replace them for less than $5 and possibly free. i probably could fill the buckets up more but i keep my tower in my bedroom closet - no odor, no pests - and i don't want to tip it over getting my castings bucket out. even when my tower was only 5 buckets high there was very little drying time to sift. i do think i've got enough worms now that i may need to start a second tower. i just wonder if your totes are degrading because of the weight of your material and lifting/movement and not because of the holes at all. my buckets rarely ever weigh more than 10# but like i said, i am only 3 years in. since i need to expand my operation i have been sort of considering different types of containers but i think i am leaning more on just going to larger buckets because of the (lack of) maintenance and the ease of operation.

[@PlantObsessed]

I saw the word clew in Darwin's book. I was not sure if it was a made up word or not lol. I have kept worms in many different systems. I like the barrels best. I'll have to see about my new systems how it ranks. ,👍🏼🪱😃

[@Vermicompost]

Great honest assessment of your DIY system! If you want to go back for another DIY system, maybe do smaller thicker bins to lessen the weight? I'm sure you can find kids toy organizers for super cheap at a thrift store or garage sale...the ones we have are pretty thick plastic & have three of each size ranging from a shoe box to about the size of my Vermihut tray....speaking of which I absolutely love if you want to go that route. Even when totally full with castings, the most one has weighed is between 11-12 pounds. Like you said the plastic is hard. I run it with 4 trays and use the fifth one as a sifter. There are actually 1600 holes in the bottom of each tray so the worms go up and down as if there is nothing in between. I think you are good either way. Based on what I have seen of your building skills, I think you can make another excellent improved DIY tower!!🪱🪱🪱

[@PlantObsessed]

I need to go container shopping. Or system shopping. There is quite a bit of wear and tear on the system as I move it to film. We will see in a month. 😃🪱👍🏼

[@chriseverest4380]

Did you drill 1600 holes in the bottom of each tray? wow!

[@Vermicompost]

@@chriseverest4380 No, But that would be an amazing feat!! It is a VermiHut worm tower and I counted down two of the sides and multiplied to find out it had 1600 holes. 🪱🪱🪱

[@raymondfurgason8959]

After hundreds of video, this is finally what I was looking for!

[@PlantObsessed]

I'm glad you found it helpful. I hope your worms are well. 👍🏼😃🪱

[@danielanthony9621]

I use a four foot bin two foot deep I bought at Wal-Mart. Pre drilled air holes in the handle came that way. Put in sifted top soil from a hard wood patch of trees on my property. Dug up about 100 worms all of unknown varieties. Some reds some night crawlers I think and some I just dont know. Feed them when I think about it. Mist the top of the soil when I think about it. Store them under the front porch. Non sun facing. I have more worms than I know what to do with

[@PlantObsessed]

That is awesome! Maybe it's time to get another bin. The hobby can be addictive though. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@elizabethfindlay5752]

Hahahaha oh boy. Learning that more moist increases breeding.... this explains A LOT to me. I need to slow my production down for now and my bin is fairly moist. Definitely got some work to do.

[@PlantObsessed]

I hope it all works out well for you 🪱👍🏼😃

[@Dee.C]

I made one like yours 2 years ago. Do the DIY again . I Do have a couple of "tailor made" stackable systems . I love the Worm Factory 360 . Do NOT get the Can O' Worms , It bows in the middle when it starts getting full and I try to open it up. A couple of the legs are messed up on mine , it is wobbly and causes them to move and break easy . If you were closer I would give you mine.

[@PlantObsessed]

Good to know. I am leaning towards the 360. It seems to have the best combination of options. Thanks for the advice 🪱👍🏼😃

[@petericemanczyl2139]

I used both round and square worm systems. Square cracks at the corners. Round holds up.

[@PlantObsessed]

Would you mind telling me the brand? I have a square one now. 👍🏼🪱😔

[@petericemanczyl2139]

Can-O-Worms is the brand of the round unit that worked. I am not sure about the brand of the square box unit. I had both for over 10 years. The Can-O-Worms is still in use. @@PlantObsessed

[@juntjoonunya9216]

You ought to do a video on your more personal ralationship with them lol. I just brought home a little $5 tub of them there's only so many so we're getting to know each other

[@PlantObsessed]

Worms are some of my top 50,000 friends for sure. 👍🏼🪱😁

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Hi Ann, I watched completely and read some comments. And my evaluation is...buy a system! Your back is worth it. Even the Can-O-Worms trays weigh 20 + pounds when packed with Castings that are wet. I noticed that Vermihut looks like a good system. Just a thought. Take care ❤Peggy❤

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes that is a good idea. It's not worth it if I only get 5 years. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼

[@carlafawcett3851]

I think $6 a year is cheap considering they gift you hundreds of dollars in organic compost : ) I love my rubbermaid totes and buckets buried in the garden

[@PlantObsessed]

I think it is breaking because it gets moved all the time. My garden buckets are all still good. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼

[@ArthurRowley-zj2db]

You can melt metal wire screen into plastic with a soldering iron.

[@PlantObsessed]

That is a good idea. 🪱👍🏼😁

[@winstonsmiths2449]

I like the DIY systems for versatility. AND...I up-cycle (do not like that word, too green) plastic bins that are missing a lid or need to be replaced with larger/different bin. You could reuse the totes without the holes if needed. I have the holes in my totes at the top and I cover the top with window screen. I just want worms if at all possible.

[@PlantObsessed]

I use the old totes for harvest now. Nothing goes to waste 👍🏼😁🪱

[@randallwithee2189]

You should do some research on plastic welding. You use a soldering iron or woodburner with metal screening and extra pieces of plastic (ie broken pieces of a similar colored bin, or a similar colored zip tie) and melt it into the tote around the hole.

[@PlantObsessed]

That is a good idea. I need to patch some holes with blue too. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@RockinWorms]

Hi Ann! If you spent $30 for 5 yrs of use, then to get the 20 yr use of the commercial worm tray system you’d need to make the $30 system 4 times. That equals a cost of $120. So the commercial system will be cheaper. And that’s assuming you could remake the DIY for the $30 each time (no inflation). I do not know how the volume of your diy stack compares to the commercial one other than your 3 trays vs their 5 trays. If overall the space is similar then their individual trays would be smaller and therefore lighter which is something you said you’d like. It seems that if you can find a commercial system you like for the $100 with the long life warranty it might indeed be the best way to go for you! Eager to see what you do decide to do 😊

[@PlantObsessed]

That is the idea I came up with too. The quality of items is only going down it seems. I'm better off buying something purpose built. Thanks for the advice. 👍🏼😃🪱

[@A-V]

I think the material that my bus bins are made of is a bit thicker than what typical totes are made of... so hopefully my bins don't start breaking down on me. My hope is that they keep on going for many more years.... :)

[@PlantObsessed]

I agree the bus bins are better plastic. They are made for heavy work. How old are your bus bins? 👍🏼🪱😃

[@A-V]

Most were recently purchased... but a few of them go way, way back. I have a couple of them that may date back to the 1980s _(but somehow I doubt the newer one would last so long - with the way things are built to _*_not_*_ last nowadays)_

[@marlenen6130]

I personally love the Hot Frog stacking system and ordered extra trays cuz the roto formed material is so strong! The bins are deeper than my worm farm 360 system but have a smaller footprint, the grid at the bottom of the tray are actually more like little tunnels and they are spaced apart. I frequently will take a finished tray and set it on top of the system without the lid to dry it, then use the light method and the worms just dive into the tray underneath. Sometimes I will set it on some prepared bedding and food in a bus bin and can populate another system. Since I keep mine 4-5 layers high, I usually just put dry bedding in the deep sump and bottom tray to inoculate the material, which I can then just use to cover feedings. The actual design of the Hot Frog system is very nice too, European in that it’s sleek, streamlined, soft corners with molded handles. Highly recommend. The other option could be to find smaller (5-10 gallon) food-grade containers like Blue and see if you can do a stackable system with those? I have also considered turning my little 3 drawer dresser into a system, as it’s very old, the drawers slide out on each other, and the wood is very thick. I think if I treated it with hot wax on the facing surfaces and put vents and drainage holes it could work…but I like that little dressser! Lol.

[@PlantObsessed]

I have heard of people doing that. Might be a winter project. 😃🪱👍🏼

[@bettyturley6735]

I buy dish washing tubs from the dollar store. They last at least five years 1.00 each

[@PlantObsessed]

Nice! I think the bus bins i have will also last more than 5 years. I think it is better made plastic.

[@pr3ts3l]

I have a similar tote from Costco. I've had it as my primary worm bin since 2019. The holes I've made was just for air flow up top, I haven't seen them looking worse than the day I bought it. I'm thinking that some of your damage may be from moisture and debri expanding in the small cracks from those holes making it break faster. Maybe running a lighter or something around the holes when you make them could seal and slow down that breakage, I'd be careful though since plastic can catch fire fast if your not careful

[@PlantObsessed]

I have done some plastic welding to keep things longer, but I just chose to use the bin for outside plants. 👍🏼😃🪱

[@erical9526]

Side note: I always avoid onions in my bin but now thinking maybe I don't need to. I take it they process them just fine!

[@PlantObsessed]

Onions are just fine. I find them all balled up inside them. Maybe a brand new bin couldn't handle it due to a lack of microbes. I have never had an issue.😃🪱👍🏼

[@erical9526]

@@PlantObsessed, so good to know! I think I still baby my worm been despite being several years old. Thank you so much for your educational videos! Please keep them coming.

[@patti280]

I use masonry bins. They’re really sturdy

[@PlantObsessed]

Yeah, in hindsight I could have made some better choices to make it more sturdy. 👍🏼🪱🤔

[@LesliSagan]

I've tried the Can-o-Worms, Worm Factory, and Vermihut. I like the VermiHut's quality a lot. The Can-o-Worms is and Worm Factories are fine, but the WF is smallish.

[@PlantObsessed]

I would be interested in knowing how long one of the systems lasts. It is nice to hear from someone that has many different types. 😃🪱👍🏼

[@LesliSagan]

​@@PlantObsessedMy old Worm Factory is at least 16 years old and probably closer to 20. It shows no signs of disintegrating.

[@theunskoch4256]

I have four storage containers, one is a bit damaged, not from the worms though, the first one is about 4 years old, still going strong, second one about two to three years old the third one is about two years old, the last one is much older, it was my dads i saw it lying around and well the rest is history with what became of it, 😂, all my containers are single systems, im considering building a wooden flow through system, if i can put my two cents worth of input, buying a profesional system, look at the long run, it might save you time and money even if you are going to spend money, buying bins/ totes and making your own might save some money but now you have to look at durability, both ideas have their ups and downs it all comes down to having something that will last you more than five years, one of my buckets that i had cracked right in the middle of the bottom from the weight of the castings, it was a two bucket system, im sure you will make a decicion that is right for you

[@PlantObsessed]

It's good to reuse old tubs. I do worry about the mess of collecting everything up again if mine break. I'll need to do something soon.

[@bartcalder2791]

May be you addressed this and I'm dense, but I don't understand why you want the stack system at all. Big Blue seems to be working great.

[@PlantObsessed]

The stacked system predates Blue by more than a year. I like to keep my worm breeds separate to test the difference. I agree with you Blue is the Best 🪱👍🏼😃

[@pdunson850]

Whenever you add the new bedding with the feedings is it always the prepared bedding with all the additives or is it just schredded paper/cardboard?

[@PlantObsessed]

I do both. If I'm trying to dry out the bin I use the in prepared kind. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@eleanoraddy4683]

I use old plastic crates I already own and in my opinion it's better than the can o worms stacking system which is the only commercial system I've tried. It's not made for short women and gets really unwieldy, never mind the atrocious smell and dead worms caused by the sump......only used it for 3 weeks and the sump went completely anaerobic and everyone had to be rescued. Terrible 😂

[@PlantObsessed]

Yikes. I will probably put a cocomatt on the sump. I learned worms go places you don't want them. Dead worm smell is the worse. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@eleanoraddy4683]

@@PlantObsessed yeah it smelled evil enough to completely nope out of the whole system! I do use a second layer that I made myself using a soldering iron and slightly smaller box for baiting out the worms but I missed my window and had to do a light harvest recently. I'm not quite attuned to the seasonal changes yet!

[@doggodoggo3000]

im not sure its the type of plastic but just how thick it is. plastic has a shelf life no matter what. its just alot more noticeable in thinner plastics. even these totes just sitting in an attic full of decorations and stuff get brittle and start to break down after 5-10 years. there are some in my house about as old as i am but they arent as impact resistant or strong anymore. another comment mentioned feed buckets for farm animals. i think they might be referring to "muck tub" and like yea they are very durable and thick, but they are also really expensive and dont have a lid. youd have to make a lid out of wood or cover it with plastic or something. and its round so it doesnt exactly have a great footprint. for this scale its really hard to beat the totes i think. im lm just going to buy some used ones.

[@PlantObsessed]

I see them at good will all the time. Good idea.🪱👍🏼😃

[@corlissyamasaki3476]

Years ago, I bought a Can o Worms 3 tiered system. It's much too big for me too handltote. Is very strong, but try lifting it to try and harvesr castings, it's really heavy. Going back to one or two totes.

[@PlantObsessed]

I did like both. Good luck. 🪱😃👍🏼

[@chadjones1266]

I expect your hole failure was due to drilling them with a twist bit. Melting holes would probably make them last longer.

[@PlantObsessed]

100% agree. 🪱👍🏼😃

[@winstonsmiths2449]

IMHO, most of the bins I see on YT are too wet! Not deadly to the worms wet, just nasty wet LOL. There should be little to ZERO need for a drip pan and spigot. How those wet bins do not smell is surprising (or they do not mention smell). Plus the "mud" you end up with is much harder to harvest. I do not place the vast quantities of scraps that most YT wormers do. I do not think it is necessary for them to have 2 weeks or more of food in the form of scraps. The bedding provides enough food to last for weeks. I also use homemade worm chow to keep down the mess. Your odds of attracting unwanted pests goes up. I use a 3-tote setup, two with holes and one with bedding. Fill second tote, move it to the top, top goes to second, using the migration trick. Third bucket to there simply to catch stray stuff, it has no holes. Has worked so far. I am small time and use the castings in my bucket food garden.

[@PlantObsessed]

I get lots of people telling me my bin is too dry. To each their own. I agree, too wet means more bugs. 🪱🙂👍🏼

[@GardeningwithBarchuckin]

DIY it again Ann! You already have the spacer made, you can tweak the plans and see if you can more than five years out of the next one 😁🪱🪱 I do love my Vermihut Plus 😅

[@PlantObsessed]

Humm has there been a video of said hut of worms this summer? 🧐🪱👍🏼

[@Boxermom359]

I’m having a really hard time with my 3 bins getting above 5.5 ph … we have them in a shed in our backyard and it’s been in mid 30’s at night and 50ish or low 60’s during the day. We have a small heater on low so it will stay above 45-55 degrees at night. We bought a couple hundred worms from an Amazon supplier and some from another Brothers Worm Farm in Austin, but some have not survived. Not sure if it was because two nights before we put the small heater in there it got below 32, if it’s the low ph or their new earth easy homes we got around Thanksgiving. I have two earth easy dual tray composters and one large 30ish gallon bin, I’m really trying here. I used a ph neutral coco coir, small cardboard pieces, shredded paper, soil with compost in it from Lowe’s that the worms seemed to initially do well in. I put in crushed eggshells, got some of the garden lime, nothing seems to be helping resolve the ph. I’ve been watching your videos and could use some advice pls. Thanks

[@PlantObsessed]

I would not measure the pH it is just stressing you out. Most worm species can handle acidic material as long as it is not actively rotting. Coco coir and cardboard are great. If the worms are red wigglers they will 100% be fine at freezing temperatures. They won't eat or breed much but they will live. I wouldn't add more garden lime. It's too concentrated. It might cause more problems . Since the bin is less than 6 months old it mostly needs time. Waiting is the worst I know. If you can get some live castings from that worm farm to add to your bins that might help get the microbiology is going faster. Good luck. 🪱👍🏼😊

[@pdunson850]

One more question😂 If you make the prepared bedding with the schredded paper/cardboard and coco coir could you use a liquid compost starter in it instead of the other things to get the microbes jumpstarted for the bin?

[@PlantObsessed]

I could but I usually use finished compost and some sugar / nitrogen source . I already have the kelp for plants. I advocate using what you have already available. 👍🏼

[@indianpatriot4444]

Hi, I’ve only recently started watching your channel after having started Vermicomposting for only six months now. I’m truly amateur. I wanted to do a test run before committing to it so I started with four 2.5gallon grow bags. I put in the bedding, the worms and the food all in at once and let them be for 5 months or so. Just spraying some water every other week during peak summer. I put them on the terrace underneath a bedframe and on plant stands with castors. I had to let the system dry(air out) for weeks before harvesting. I could harvest 3 gallons of castings from the 4 growbags and now I have restarted the process with 8 growbags (doubled the number). What do you say about the outcome, worthwhile or not? Btw, I got my worms free with a sack full of castings I’d bought from a farm. Please reply

[@PlantObsessed]

It sounds like you are having great luck doing the worm containers this way. If it is not broke don't fix it. If you want more production you could add bedding and food more than once in 5 months... Or add more bags. Your set it and forget it system seems to work well. Good luck. 😃🪱👍🏼

[@indianpatriot4444]

Thank you

[@dankillen8762]

Hello Ann! I am so new that I just purchased 4 - 10 gallon totes for my own DYI system after watching your system work. I have questions bouncing all around in my brain, and I don't want to write a book! lol! I'm planning on starting with 1 lb. of red wigglers in it. I drilled 1/4 inch holes in the top of 1 bin for the 1st layer. I have 3 others that will be part of the system at some point. The 1st. question is do I need to drill holes in all 3 and how many for drainage, or can I do them one at a time? I have the risers that you put in your bin as well, GREAT IDEA! How do you rotate the bins and feed them as well is another question that I have to. Your guide in this would be greatly appreciated! Keep doing these great videos, I plan on watching all that you have to teach.

[@PlantObsessed]

I would put holes for the worms to move around in all except the bottom. I don't put drains in mine. I keep dry bedding at the bottom to soak up the juices. I also didn't move the layers around much. I just harvest the layer that looked the most done and start it over independently. I hope that helps. Good luck 🪱👍🏼😁

[@janniehanagriff]

Have you thought about screen repair tape for next time?

[@PlantObsessed]

That is a good idea, thank you 🪱😀👍🏼

[@disabilitytoabilitygardening]

how do you rid mites i got lots white mites and a newbee and homemade bin and just a banana skin chopped for them i have about 150 worms at mo red wrigglers and white compost worms too from my neighbours worm bin?

[@mariangiefarias2584]

I am learni g sooo much!

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you for watching. Watching videos is how I learned too. 👍🏼🪱😁

[@ChessKombat]

I hope we can share YT links. But here is the video of the bin system I was refrencing in the premiere. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3m9hnafi919aJo

[@PlantObsessed]

Ok now I know what you mean. It seems better than the trash can type. How long have yours lasted?

[@ChessKombat]

@@PlantObsessed Mine have lasted for three years and still going stroing. Showing no signs of bowing either. And it has been full of castings over the winter. I bought some cheap bins from the second hand store that are flimsy. I dont know how well they will hold up but I am experiementing with those. I do not think that the black and yellow heavy duty bins will let you down. Then when I need castings, I harvest how much I need. I was the one who had issues with trying not to sift my castings. These bins are why. I like that I can keep my moisture a little higher. Just my feeling on the matter. I found that if I want to sift, I mix it with peat moss or coco coir or dry leaf mold to soak up the moisture from the castings to help it get to the consistency I need. I sift just to get the unsprouted tomato and pumpkin seeds out because those are a pain when they go crazy where you dont want them. Or I use castings in my soil blocks for seed starting. .25 castings .25 peat or coco .25 perlite .25 compost. Since the castings and the peat are already mixed for the sifting stef it is one less step later.

[@CarinoGamingStudio]

it depends. if you sell the vermicas. that $30 is worth for 5 years.

[@PlantObsessed]

True. I feel bad about needing to replace it every 5 years.😃👍🏼🪱

[@katherinecain7821]

Can you use black and white newspaper shredded paper?

[@PlantObsessed]

In the US the news paper is soy ink based. It should be ok to feed.to your worm babies.😁🪱👍🏼

[@EDITHSANDRIDGE-h3g]

WHAT IS A SPRING TAIL AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?. ALSO HOW DO YOU GET ROLLIE POLLIE BUGS IN YOUR BINS?

[@bradical2723]

What kind of paper or cardboard are you using as bedding? Can i use like colored food and beverage packages, like beer boxes and tv dinner boxes, that kinda stuff.. they say recyclable..

[@PlantObsessed]

I use anything that is not made to go in the freezer it might have a plastic lining. So yes I use cereal boxes, food boxes, soda boxes, Amazon boxes but not boxes that contained electronics like TVs. 👍🏼🪱😊

[@brandy2771]

Yes I understand

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼

[@HedgewitchHoney]

I have a UK made wormcity and a US made wormfactory 360. Slightly different in form, absolutely identical in function. I've tried many different home made designs all of which work well but it's the purpose made farms that are still producing the most and still going strong after 8 years. When I wash and clean the trays after each harvest they come up as good as new. Yes they are expensive but for me personally they're the most productive and trouble free systems by comparison. Personal preference I suppose. Love your videos by the way.

[@PlantObsessed]

I'm liking my new 360. I agree it is much more sturdy than the diy.🪱👍🏼😁

[@miriambennett1030]

Hi from Wisconsin

[@PlantObsessed]

Hello. Im glad you made it.

[@janniehanagriff]

I had a few questions should I just post them here or is it ok to email them to you?

[@PlantObsessed]

Ask away. I'm sure other people have the same question. 👍🏼🪱😀

[@janniehanagriff]

When you first started keeping worms did you ever have issues with BSFL?

[@janniehanagriff]

I originally had my worm bin outside but brought them in due to the 100 degree heat and the heat advisories.

[@PlantObsessed]

@@janniehanagriff all my bins were inside so no BSFL issue. My outside bin has a lid with small holes due to my wild animal issues. so none there either.

[@PlantObsessed]

@@janniehanagriff my bins open to the ground below with quarter inch holes. Mine usually hide in the soil under the bin. If mine wasn't so big I would likely drag mine inside too.

[@1huzlives]

Hello. Thanks for all your videos. I have ANC. Most of the time I used shredded brown boxes for their bedding. Recently I ran out of boxes, and use printed white paper. What do u think about that? I am a bit worried with all the info out there.

[@PlantObsessed]

I use office paper. It is ok. It will stick together without some coconut coir or peat moss. The worms will eat it no problem. 😁🪱👍🏼

[@brandon2066]

I’ve read that onions and other spicy foods can harm the worms by burning their skin. Have you heard anything about this? Thanks for the awesome video!

[@PlantObsessed]

It is an urban legend. I know it is even in some books. I have fed them both for years with no ill effects. 🪱😊👍🏼

[@holycow3355]

Usually there already thousands of insects in a compost bin, sure their waste & remains turn into fertilizers as well, so are worms really better/do a better job for plant growth ? They take (a lot of) TLC while other insects don't.

[@PlantObsessed]

Bug frass in general is great. Worms are easier to control than other critters. I wish it was warm enough for black soldier flies. They are awesome.🪱👍🏼😊

[@RumoredAtmos]

Feed buckets for farm animals, they are huge and last a long time

[@PlantObsessed]

That is a good idea. Higher quality plastic for sure.👍🏼🪱😃

[@TakeMetotheRiver.]

i think the tote is just not meant to hold dirt like that

[@PlantObsessed]

100% correct. I now have a worm tower. The size ratio is much more stable.😃😃👍🏼🪱🪱

[@enjaynj]

here since the premiere

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you for watching!

[@chriseverest4380]

Your DIY bin actually looks bigger than a lot of the selling ready-made bins (but that might be the effect of the camera I don't know). I think a lot of the ready-made are a bit ugly (aesthetically speaking - like a bit of Russian brutalised architecture)😂

[@PlantObsessed]

Lol yes it is bigger it is the same width but is twice as long. That is a good idea to make a pretty worm bin that looks like nice furniture. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

You truly confirmed that this is not a fad, it's even more than a hobby; it's your lifestyle. So, please invest in whatever will make you happy everyday. (true for other hobbies) For a newbie, I would suggest keeping a low initial investment to make sure you like the whole adventure enough. Maybe using free/recycled 5 gall pail. If after 5 years, you still like it, consider going next step with confidence.

[@PlantObsessed]

yep, i started with one pound and here i am lol

[@BobWilhelm-v4y]

can worms cross-bread?

[@PlantObsessed]

No. According to the books I have read they are not close enough related to cross breed.🪱👍🏼😃

[@kromsnavelfun]

Commercial stuff is not so much fun as beïmg creative to house your worms as you prefer. And those companies are broke far before the 20 years. When I see how many of that commercial too expensive stuff is on the marketplace overhere. For most people it's just a hype.

[@PlantObsessed]

Too much drama in general these days. I agree. 👍🏼🪱😊

[@yapvoonyee1778]

You need to create a new collective noun. I suggest a wriggle of worms. Better than a herd.

[@PlantObsessed]

I know lol ... the actual word used by Darwin was clew. Is that better? 🤔👍🏼🪱

[@لاشئ-ك2ن]

am an Arab man. I do not understand your English language, but I would love to follow your channel and learn a few words. Use the translation program now. Is what you wrote correct???

[@PlantObsessed]

The auto translate option is not working. I will send a message why it is not working. Thank you for letting me know 👍🏼

[@لاشئ-ك2ن]

@@PlantObsessed ok thank you very much

[@the_green_anna]

💚

[@PlantObsessed]

😃🪱👍🏼

[@amyleader5147]

Make one out of wood and screen you'll never have to deal with that wet stuff again

[@PlantObsessed]

That is a good idea ☺️,🪱👍🏼

[@SameDayparlay]

Ok cool

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you for watching!

[@thomas.m.d]

Worms belong in the garden .happy free worms .not a prison ,being tossed around and food scraps .

[@PlantObsessed]

🤣🪱👍🏼

[@Raspukek-fu8un]

looks like not

[@PlantObsessed]

Yeah seems so. 😃🪱👍🏼

[@marianostergaard2759]

No plastik please

[@PlantObsessed]

I do try.👍🏼😄🪱

[@LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp]

From SW Ga. Use .orter mixing traws from Lowes.

[@PlantObsessed]

I like those too. They seem to hold up well over the years. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼